The selection tools In CPS Pro are provided in three variations. A general selection tool which allows a variety of straight-edge shapes, a Freehand Tool which allows you to draw around more detailed subjects and the magic wand tool which automatically picks up on certain parts of a picture when clicked on. In this instance I am going to demonstate how the Freehand Selection Tool can be used to remove an object from one photograph and add it to another to acheive a natural result.

Freehand Selection Tool

Begin with both images open in the programme window. You will find it easier later on.

1) First of all, you will need tomake your selection with the Freehand Tool. Simply click, on thestarting point drag the mouse aroundthe area you want to select See below, and click again when youreturn to the starting point. For this particular subject I haveselected the point-to-point selection type from the dropdown menu atthe top of the screen. Click to set the starting point and then click everytime you want to anchor the lasso.

Tip: Use the Zoom tool to magnify your image while you are making your selections. You may find it much easier to work this way.

2) You will now see a white dotted line appear around the area you wish to move. Now you will need to use an effect called feathering to soften the edges of your selected object before it can be moved anywhere else. Go to Selection>Modify>Feather and select the value of the feathering. This will depend on the size of the image but generally 2-3pixels will be sufficient.

3) Now your object has been selected and is ready to move to the document you wish to add it to. Go to Edit>Copy and copy the selection to the clipboard. It can now be pasted onto the new image by selecting Edit>Paste as a new layer. Now select the Move tool from the menu on the left hand side and moved the pasted object to the desired place.

4) Now fix any problems you may have with the finished product, for example, in this instance, the two identical stones besides Lindsey's feet make the group photo look unrealistic. I used the Cloning Brush to rectify this which will be covered in a separate technique.